Trial delay in Mashumi Shongwe murder case

MBABANE -The trial of Mashumi Shongwe, who is accused of killing his wife, Tigezile Magongo, was scheduled to begin on Tuesday but has been delayed.

Defence lawyer Ben J. Simelane stated they are not ready to proceed after receiving crucial witness statements from the prosecution late on Monday. Simelane noted that the statements were served in installments and raised concerns that the identities and addresses of some witnesses were concealed. He argued that the prosecution must seek court authorization to alter statements in this manner. The Crown says they defence should file a written application regarding the redacted statements.

The prosecution explained that the delay in serving the statements occurred because the evidence had to be sourced from South Africa, where it was received last Friday.

Three witnesses had been called on Tuesday, but the defence requested time to review the new statements and consult. Defence attorney Simelane stated he will be ready to proceed on November 3, 2026. Simelane said the prosecution should apply to redact the statements. Redaction is the process of removing or hiding sensitive information.

According to the prosecution, which is represented by Ngcebo Lukhele, the witnesses could be in danger. That application is expected to be filed on Thursday by the Crown and the defence will respond to it.

However, Simelane said they should come back to court on November 3 as it might not be necessary to proceed with the application and the trial could proceed. Simelane said he would be able to inform the Crown on Wednesday if it would be still necessary to proceed with the application by the Crown for the redaction on the statements. Judge Sabelo Masuku said the matter should return on November 3 for a call to see if the proposed application still stands.

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